23 Facts About Juan Archuleta

Juan Archuleta was born on September 13,1987 and is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the bantamweight divisions of Bellator MMA and Rizin Fighting Federation, where in the latter promotion, he is the former Rizin Bantamweight Champion.

Juan Archuleta moved on to Sacramento City College where he became a junior college All-American, and finally he transferred to Purdue University where he wrestled at the NCAA Division I level.

Juan Archuleta went on to become KOTC bantamweight, lightweight, and light welterweight champion.

Juan Archuleta made his promotional debut at Bellator 195 against William Joplin.

Juan Archuleta won the bout via knockout in the third round.

Juan Archuleta next faced Jeremy Spoon at Bellator 210 on November 30,2018.

Juan Archuleta was victorious via knockout at 4:59 of round 2.

Juan Archuleta then faced Henry Corrales at Bellator 238 on January 25,2020.

Juan Archuleta returned to the bantamweight division to face Patchy Mix for the vacant Bellator Bantamweight World Championship on September 12,2020, at Bellator 246.

Juan Archuleta won the bout via unanimous decision to become Bellator Bantamweight world champion.

Juan Archuleta made his first title defense against Sergio Pettis at Bellator 258 on May 7,2021.

Juan Archuleta lost the bout and the title via unanimous decision.

Juan Archuleta, replacing the injured Sergio Pettis, faced Raufeon Stots for the Interim Bellator Bantamweight World Championship on April 23,2022, at Bellator 279.

Juan Archuleta lost the bout after getting knocked out by a head kick and then finished on the ground with elbows at the beginning of the third round.

Juan Archuleta faced Enrique Barzola on October 1,2022, at Bellator 286.

Juan Archuleta faced former Road FC and ONE Championship Bantamweight Champion Soo Chul Kim at Bellator MMA vs Rizin on December 31,2022.

Juan Archuleta was booked to face Naoki Inoue at Rizin 42 on May 6,2023.

Juan Archuleta was next expected to face former Rizin Bantamweight Champion Kai Asakura for the vacant Rizin Bantamweight Championship as part of the Bellator MMA x Rizin 2 card on July 30,2023.

At the weigh-ins, Juan Archuleta weighed in at 140.65 pounds, 5.65 pounds over the limit.

Juan Archuleta lost the bout via TKO in the second round.

Juan Archuleta lost the bout via an inverted heel hook submission in the first round.

Juan Archuleta faced Razhabali Shaydullaev at Rizin 48 on September 29,2024, and lost the bout via armbar submission in the first round.

Juan Archuleta eventually served a prison stint prior to becoming a mixed martial artist.